Sometime in High School I was in the Philly airport travelling with my aunt and uncle and we had lunch at a place that served baked subs or something. We sat down and as I was about to take my first bite, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked at my uncle who was sitting next to me and saw a hand on his shoulder too. Before we could turn around, we heard a very excited man say, "I smell pizza, but there's no pizza!" My uncle turned to look at the face that was now between our heads and, as if he was expecting him, said, "well hello, Richard, how are you?" Richard Simmons then looked at my bottle of soda, tsk-tsk'ed me, squeezed our shoulders, and then took off down the concourse at what could be described as a quick gallop, waving at people and saying "I love you" to anyone who shouted at him. It was winter and he was wearing capri tights and his trademark tank top. There was no one with him.

That is the only time I've ever seen (or been touched) by a bona-fide celebrity. Great pic of Richard, Terry!

Veritatis Splendor

About Me

... My idea of what I am is falsified by my preoccupation about what I do. And my illusions about myself are bred by contagion from the illusions of other men. We all seek to emulate one anothers imagined greatness....If I do not know who I am, it is because I think I am the sort of person everyone around me wants me to be. I have asked myself whether I wanted to become what everybody else seems to want to become... only to realize that I do not admire what everyone else seems to admire. I have only thus begun to live after all... But it is very late. - Adapted from a quote by Thomas Merton

Holy Face of Jesus

Show us your face and we shall be saved. "Each soul is the object of My special love. That is why I am so grateful to those who are resourceful and bringing back sinners to Me. Keep this in mind then. I gave My life for them in the most atrocious torture, for these poor beloved ones. A humble repentance, and they are already on My heart. So speak gently to them. Speak with tenderness. A brusque remark could drive them farther away." - He and I

Prayer to St. Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.